Travel with RS Europe through back door classic bag

If the bag is not within the stated measurements, more and more airlines are getting picky especially with full flights. We fly Alaska quite frequently domestically and although I’ve never seen them measure anyone’s bag at the gate, their calls asking people to check their carryon at the gate have become more frequent with threats lately to start pulling bags if no one volunteers. I have no idea about Icelandic Air as we have never flown with them but I would stay within their requirements versus testing the waters with the potential of paying more fees.

Icelandair has been known to ask people to put their bags in the sizers. Mostly rolling bags but if your wheeless bag looks big, they might check.

Airlines are getting pickier on full flights. Be prepared to take things out of this bag to take on the plane if they make you check it.

Remember, Icelandair's dimensions are about 8" for the thickness.

Rick’s dimensions aren’t relevant - what matters are the measurements of Alaska Air and Icelendair so you need to check what their websites says and comply with those.

Frank has the right idea. Assuming you're also allowed a person item, shift some of your things (maybe the stuff you'll need on the flight?) into a packable daypack or tote so that your backpack will fit in the IcelandAir sizer (determined by reviewing the baggage allowances on the airline's website). Alaska Airlines' involvement is irrelevant here, as this is an IcelandAir plane.

I have used the RS classic bag for 20 years and at least two international trips a year. I have no problem and neither should you. All this concern on bag size is not even in my head when I travel. I simply check my bag. Sure, I could carry it on. Why? What’s the point? Then I have to schlep it around airports on layovers. Worry about if there are still overhead bins available. Bump into people. Take up extra space in restaurants and waiting areas on layovers.
Now you say you have done similar before with carryon and one checked bag. Are you now going to also check a bag AND use a RS classic bag as a carry on? Too much stuff.
I just do not get it.

I have been doing carryon only for my last 5 trips on the way to europe. I do one small delsey suitcase (expandable for the way home with stuff) and a osprey daylite backpack.

I put the essentials in the backpack just in case they make me check the suitcase. But no one has even glanced at the spinner. It is only 19” so maybe obviously within limits.

But i pack just in case they grab the suitcase.

Thanks for all the replies. I dont mind checking the bag, but one of the strong points of RS talks is that you can skip the baggage thing. My bag would fit into the airlines bag sizers ok but I'm sure my bag would rub sides as it went in.

To treemoss2: I plan on having the RS classic bag. The only other thing I will have is a money belt holding tickets, wallet and passport-that will be strapped to me. In the original post, I was referring to what I did on the last two trips to Europe.

A suggestion to consider:

Pack a collapsible day bag. I use a nylon bag that folds into its own pocket. If for some reason, which isn't likely, that your bag gets scrutinized, you can pull a few things out of your bag into the personal item.

You may want to do this anyways in case you want a few things at your seat during the flight.

Then, you also will have a bit of room for any small purchases that you make. I usually buy European candy at the airport on the way home for coworkers.

You will also likely need a small bag to carry during the day for purchases, umbrella, jacket, lunch....etc

@treemoss,

Nobody is asking you to get it, however, those of us that prefer to carry everything with us don't need to be scolded. Just let these threads pass you by. It isn't good for your blood pressure.

Both the Classic Back Door Bag and the Convertible Carry-On will get bigger than 9x14x21 if you fill them with enough stuff. I found this out the hard way with mine. Luckily I've never had it rejected by an airline (so far). You have to pack light and only fill it maybe 85% full to meet the 9x14x21 dimensions. The good thing about the RS backpack's lack of structure is that it will squish down to pretty much any shape or size. If the airline is using a box sizer, it will usually fit in with no problem as long as it's not stuffed to full capacity.

Thanks again for the replies. I'll carry with me a small day pack just in case I need it. I've been practicing a couple of times loading it and re rolling clothes, I think I've actually got it down to a smaller size, now it doesn't look that hefty.

Use the day pack like a packing cube in your carry-on and put in the stuff you absolutely don't want to chance losing along with what you would need to "survive" if the checked bag was delayed.

Then IF your carry-on gets flagged for gate-check, you just remove your pre-packed day pack and go. No scrambling to pack it with essentials at the gate.

Truly one bag travel. Like this.

Nesting

Hi,
I have been traveling with the RS Backdoor bag for years. Like most soft side luggage you have to be careful not to over stuff it. Most airlines have a total measurement limit. Sometimes it takes some digging to find it. You measure the bag around the fattest part longways and short ways, and add the two numbers together. I have never had any trouble with my Backdoor bag, even on the budget airlines in the EU (got to be careful on the weight more than size.) Well, once on American Airlines they tried to get me to put it under the seat in front of me when it was only 2/3 full, they thought it was my personal item!
I had a box built that is the size of the ones used by EU airlines, and test my bag in it for peace of mind.
Fair winds and following seas!